Why stick to a single night when you could enjoy a whole week of Rabbie? Enjoy four courses, haggis and Sinatra and Martin on the stage. Jan 21-25, times vary, from £59, boisdale.co.uk
Where?
Boisdale Of Canary Wharf Cabot Place
GIG | Shakatak
Groove to the likes of Night Birds, Down On The Street and Easier Said Than Done as the jazz-funk specialists deliver cool to the Cabot Place venue. Jan 9, 9pm, from £25, boisdale.co.uk Where?
Welcome to issue 127 of Wharf Life. As the festive season arrives in earnest and this is our last paper of the year, we’d like to take this opportunity to wish all our readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We’ll be back in 2025 to cover everything the local area has to o er...
Where?
Canary Wharf across the estate
It’s that time again – expect 11 temporary installations to delight and illuminate the crowds as the festival returns for a ninth edition. Jan 21-Feb 1, 5pm-10pm, free, canarywharf.com
of events the business has planned waitrose.com + johnlewis.com Scan this code to read our interview with Amy and nd out all about what’s going on at the Wharf’s largest store
It’s a time for tasteful tastings as Nicolas gets a new look, a space for events and plans for a smoking room. We catch up with UK buyer Mark Connolly to nd out more
a deep dive into music with Steve Pretty at Wilton’s Music Hall
the rent: We take a look at Alma as Aldgate East rises up
on the radar
need to know
Where once there was Chai Ki, there will soon be Din Tai Fung Crossrail Place is set to welcome a new Taiwanese restaurant serving Xiao Long Bao and steamed chicken soup early in 2025 as the international brand expands to the Wharf dintaifung-uk.com
London Museum
25
Docklands has opened The Re ections Room, a new display space for artists. First up is Exodus by Zak Ové – a work that explores the ever-present
Rev up for an O2 Arena lled with Monster Trucks and huge stunts
Paris Baguette’s tuna baguette costs £7 and comes with a decent quantity of lling
red pepper relish and red onion, shy thanks to the satisfactory serving or tuna mayo and in a baguette. Sure the bread might not be artisanal but we are paying £4.15 here.
For a little over 40% more, recently opened Korean chain Paris Baguette will serve you its own version in Jubilee Place.
And while the depth of ll isn’t quite two score percentage points greater, and cucumber to o set the main event. It certainly delivers. Thick slices of both are to be found stu ed into bread that, while not warm from the oven, has clearly seen the inside of one in the recent past. The decision then is really one of mood. Will you slum it with a Greggs or aunt your wealth with a fancier sanger? There’s a place for both. Jon Massey
doing the deals
get more for less on and around the Wharf
£35
Get £35 towards wine when booking a table for four or more for Humble Grape’s Sunday Roast. Con rm with the restaurant when booking your table humblegrape.co.uk
£13
How Gareth Gardner has created (probably) the only gallery in the UK dedicated to showcasing architectural photography. Find it in Deptford’s Resolution Way
27
Pay £12.95 for a selected burger and fries at Patty & Bun in Wood Wharf. O er runs noon-3pm on weekdays and you can add a soft drink for £1.50. What’s not to like? pattyandbun.co.uk
subscribe to our Wharf Whispers newsletter and get our content in your inbox fortnightly
Kid-focused, Pinocchio at Stratford East pops with colour and talent
MAY I HELP YOU WITH YOUR LUGGAGE?
write me words you don’t know you need
noun, fake, from Italiajn
The precarious state of having to constantly come up with new, hilarious scenarios and pranks for ctional festive characters to perform for the delight of children. Ironically this can damage your wellbeing and lead to grouchiness
diary dates, listings and ideas to make your Canary Wharf sweeter.. subscribe to our FREE Wharf Whispers newsletter and get our content in your inbox fortnightly
KIKO MILANO
Kiko Milano - Cabot Place
noun, real, from Scots
They know how to do things north of the border and this archaic word for party is all the evidence yule need. The term derives from a large amount of drink brewed for a special occasion such as Christmas With you from the start
Our rst of two products from Kiko’s Holiday Wonderlights range is really cute in its festive packaging. This is a lovely warm highlighter that adds the perfect glow to cheeks and cupid’s bow and also works well as an eyeshadow. Despite the glitter on the top of the compact, this one is going to look great in the summer too. It’s practically an investment...
Immigration Solicitors
Our immigration team has earned its strong reputation for providing expert legal advice and practical support on a wide range of immigration issues. Trust us to help you make the right application.
020 7205 2896 kiddrapinet.co.uk
AYLESBURY
>> With party season in full swing we’ve dedicated these pages to all the boys, girls and others on the Wharf who like to go out looking their glittery best. Jess Maddison has driven her sleigh round the malls to nd only the very best and most sparkly products to deliver shimmer and shine where it matters...
Firstly, the Moving Lights Outrageous Intense Lip Plumpers Set even smells deliciously like Christmas. They deliver a beautiful gloss on their own or used over lipstick. Yes, they do sting and yes, they do temporarily make your lips a little bit bigger. Normally £13.99 each, this collection is really a fantastic saving if you can’t decide which one is your favourite
This eyeshadow has a really adorable print – Kiko Milano is clearly going full force for cuteness in its festive edit. This powder holds its own, even by itself for a subtle wink to festive make up or used to spruce up your signature eye look. Also part of the Holiday Wonderlights range
W7
Boots - Jubilee Place + Canada Place Ready Set Glow Illuminating Setting Spray Gold, £4 boots.com
This mesmerising bottle of ne gold sparkles swirls and gleams during preparation. As long as you shake it really well, it can be used all over the face as a setting spray. Or, for a more subtle look it can be applied to the arms, legs, decolletage and even hair. Fun to play with and, at this price, you can’t really go wrong
With the drop in temperature we are well and truly into chapped lips weather. Make sure yours are a smooth and hydrated base for any statement party looks by using Carmex regularly before an evening event. I recommend the Vanilla avour for that extra spiced, seasonal vibe
RITUALS
Rituals - Jubilee Place
The Alchemy Collection Face Mask, £40 rituals.com
Aptly named because you can pretend you are a real alchemist while you mix the sparkly powder with water and watch it become a glittery gel, with specks of 24-carat gold. Paint it on your face and relax for hydrated and plumped skin. Perfect prep before a party, ridiculously Christmassy and only available for a limited time
SOS SERUM SKINCARE
Superdrug - Surrey Quays Treasures Festive Co ret Gift Set , £45 superdrug.com
SOS is for the sensitive skin queen or king in your life. The cleanser is perfect to lock in moisture as your second cleanse after the party is over. The night cream feels rich and is quickly absorbed too
Years since Nicolas opened its doors in
how a total refurbishment has gifted Nicolas ample space to show off its finest wines
by Jon Massey
Just as Canary Wharf is evolving, so too are its oldest retailers. Nicolas has been selling wine on the estate since the 1990s. Its cosy, bistro-style bar long delivered servings of French flavours and seclusion in the lower level of One Canada Square. But things move on and 2024 has brought a completely fresh direction for the store.
“The original concept worked well for us back then, but the estate has changed and there are lots of restaurants and bars with outdoor space now,” said Mark Connolly, buyer and training manager at Nicolas UK.
“It was our only bar in London and, with the refurbishment, we wanted to celebrate what we do best – being a wine merchant.
“With the bar gone, it’s really allowed us to open up the store space. We’ve got full window
displays and there’s plenty of light coming into the branch. We’ve changed the way the bottles are displayed – they’re nicely spread out now and it’s really easy to see where everything is.
“For Nicolas it’s a showcase store. We’ve been able to increase the range we offer with an improved fine wine selection and more for customers to choose from.”
As a retail space, it’s a radical change from the previously cramped corner at the entrance to the shop. Walk in now and a long vista of pale wood awaits. Bottles
a modern making
relax at jaunty angles in plenty of space on the ample shelving. Recalling wooden wine cases, Nicolas’ logo is burnt into the timber, giving visitors the feeling of entering a cellar in a chateau after a tour of some excellent vineyards. None of this is happenstance, it’s by design.
“We’ve certainly gone for a more premium look,” said Mark. “We’ve dispensed with the dark red and yellow of the old store for a much lighter, airier feel. There’s no more dark-stained wood.
“It’s a much more welcoming space with a large entrance and big open windows so passers-by can easily see in.
“The layout has been designed for browsing – there’s freedom to walk around and for our staff to provide advice, guiding customers to the perfect wine.
“The main purpose was to make the bottle the hero, while ensuring we’re just that bit more approachable.
continued on Page 8
Nicolas has had a complete refit with more space to house a wider range of fine wine
OH, WHAT FUN IT IS TO RENT...
... the BMW X5 to drive home for Christmas. Rent now at SIXT.
festive tipples from Nicolas in One Canada Square
>> With Christmas fast approaching, we asked Mark to select three wines from Nicolas’ range that would be versatile enough to please everyone on December 25 and handle the traditional feast and trimmings...
from Page 6
“We are a French wine specialist, so it makes sense to have the best French wines available – people demand that –and this new layout allows us to offer a wide selection. Our range is something that evolves all the time and there’s lots of exciting wines we can bring here now.
De Saint-Gall Champagne, Le Tradition, Premier Cru, £39.90
“Champagne at Christmas is a classic and this is a really fantastic bottle to open on December 25,” said Mark
Drinkers can expect yellow fruit, toasted almonds and gingerbread on the nose with a lingering nish and a hint of minerality on the tongue
“The bottles are displayed by region with red, white, rosé and sparkling from a particular area grouped together. If you look at Bordeaux, you’ll have your classic red wines, but you’ll also have classic white wines, so customers can explore.
“Things can become a bit regimented if you categorise wine by colour or kind. We know that people often come in with a good idea of what they’re looking for – now they can go straight to that region and see the wines laid out in front of them.”
PLes Chaudoux, Pouilly-Fumé, 2022, Loire, £26.30
“This Pouilly-Fumé has a real mineral clarity to it, plus a little bit more body to match up well with turkey or salmon,” said Mark
Drinkers will nd the aroma of dried owers and salted butter caramel when opening this bottle before experiencing notes of cinnamon, cloves and candied ginger
Crozes-Hermitage, Calendes 2022, Rhone, £26.30
“You’ll never do too badly with a Rhone red – this has body, spice and versatility,” said Mark
Enjoy blackberry coulis, blackcurrant, black pepper alongside plums and violets in this typical expression of a Syrah
erhaps the most consequential change for the store’s refit, however is the provision of new facilities and the promise of even more. Complementing the extended wine offering, a new brightly-lit space has been created.
“The really exciting thing is that we now have a large tasting room with a glass door so customers can see into it from the shop,” said Mark.
“It can be open for people to explore or closed off for private events. It will easily hold around 30 guests and we’re planning a full schedule for 2025 with lots of masterclasses, tastings and other events. I am thrilled about what we can now offer to our customers with this facility. It has a large TV screen on the wall too, so we’ll be able to offer virtual tastings live from winemakers in other locations.
“Further to the tasting room, if our plans work out we’re hoping to have a smoking room as well for customers to try cigars.
“We’ve always sold plenty of cigars, but this is about offering something a bit more special.
“There aren’t many places that offer this kind of service – only one other on the Wharf and not many in the whole country – so it’s a way customers can linger and perhaps try some spirits along with their cigars. We’ll also be making that space and the tasting room itself available for hire for private events.”
Alongside the likes of longstanding retailers Waitrose and Holland And Barrett, Nicolas sees Canary Wharf as worthy of investment – a result of increasing footfall and interest in the estate.
“We’ve been here historically
The really exciting things is that we now have a large tasting room. We’re planning a full schedule for 2025 with tastings and masterclasses
Mark Connolly, Nicolas
and have built up a bit of a following within Canary Wharf,” said Mark. “But the other aspect to our decision to refit the store is that we know there is money here.
“There are lots of businesses with people who are looking for something fine, whether that’s gifts or simply a bottle to take home. This project is about meeting those expectations and providing something really special for people in Canary Wharf.
“We now need to spread the word to let people know we’ve evolved and are offering something better. We’re looking forward to serving everybody who comes in now that we have the ideal store to do it in.”
Mark, who has been with
Nicolas for some 13 years, is the man responsible for deciding what goes on the shelves of its UK stores.
“We offer many French wines, of course, but also source some from the UK as well as exciting varieties from the US, Italy and Spain,” he said. “It’s my job to make sure we’ve got the right range so that customers know they can still come in and pick up a nice Barollo or a Rioja.
“In terms of popularity it’s very much reds from Bordeaux and reds and whites from Burgundy, but we also have some really exciting wines from places like south-west France, the Languedoc and grands cru from Alsace. There’s plenty to explore.”
key details
Nicolas is located on the mall level downstairs from One Canada Square’s main lobby. It is open 10am-8pm on weekdays, 10am-7pm on Saturdays and 11am-6pm on Sundays. Go to nicolas.com
Scan this code to nd out more about Nicolas
Nicolas’ Mark Connolly
virtual viewpoint
by Chris Ezekiel
The Wharf is transformed at this time of the year. There’s an abundance of twinkling trees, shining baubles, sparkly dresses and Christmas jumpers. With all that glitter and the days being so short, I always nd it a good time to re ect on the wonder of light and to also think about the people who can’t experience it.
No doubt smartphones, smartwatches and other gadgets will be on many Christmas lists this year. Many of us take our sight for granted and don’t think too much about the technology behind these devices. Electromagnetism powers all of our gadgets and light is electromagnetic radiation.
Light is an important part of Christianity. Most of us are familiar with the Book Of Genesis In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And God said, let there be light, and there was light. God divided the light from the darkness.
I consider myself a spiritual physicist and a Christian, even though I don’t attend church frequently. I’m the one the vicar refers to when he looks up at a packed Midnight Mass congregation and comments about how nice it would be if this many people attended every Sunday. I nd the church at Christmas time a refreshing escape from all the commercialisation around the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth.
Through my spirituality and interest in physics I often contemplate the universe’s beginning –how life started, whether there’s a purpose to it all? Are events mapped out by a god or is our
praising the
existence just a random coincidence? I certainly don’t have all the answers, but I wonder about light. It is everywhere, it gives us life and makes the world a beautiful place. It’s mysterious behaving simultaneously like both a particle and a wave.
The existence of nearly all life on Earth is fuelled by light from the Sun. Our star produces most of the light we see on Earth through nuclear fusion, converting 4million tonnes of matter into energy every second.
Light has been harnessed by humans too. We light up our homes and cities and use it as the basis for entertainment and our technology.
As we light our Christmas candles and decorate and illuminate our trees, spare a thought to the light fantastic, where it shines and who can enjoy it. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year for 2025.
Ezekiel is founder and CEO
customer
Scan this code for more about Creative Virtual or follow @creativevirtual and @chrisezekiel on X
HACKNEY EMPIRE PRESENTS
Chris
of
engagement solutions specialist Creative Virtual based at Canary Wharf’s Cabot Square
Locations Dez Amore is currently trading at, including two in Canary
how Italian startup Dez Amore has evolved beyond simple pasta to serve up burgers
by Jon Massey
Love is always a coming together. For Leonardo Masi, co-founder of Dez Amore, that meant going beyond serving fresh pasta to customers at Mercato Metropolitano in Elephant And Castle.
“I’d always been in hospitality, with patisseries and pizzerias in Italy,” said the Florentine. “My parents are architects, my brother is a lawyer, but I didn’t like to study. I’m more a practical person rather than a student.
“In 2019, I started selling fresh pasta in London and for six months it was just me. I was working seven days a week, but it was a wonderful experience because it meant I found out what the business needed.
“After that, I was able to hire a colleague and we continued like that for a year. Our approach was simple – we offered a lot of
good quality pasta, made quickly because our customers don’t have much time. There was a lot of running about.”
That experience of being close to his customers, refining the business and giving people what they want has stood Leonardo in good stead.
While working at Mercato Metropolitano, he also made a contact who would end up joining him as co-founder of Dez Amore.
“I had a good relationship with Simone Parentini who was selling burgers at the Elephant And Castle food hall,” said Leonardo.
“Two minds are better than one and I prefer to have 50% of a company, work together and share problems. We both have family in Italy so we need to travel back and forth and this partnership allows us to do that.”
The duo have also brought their food together, with Dez Amore now offering both fresh pasta and smash burgers from its six branches, including two in Canary Wharf.
Speed is of the essence when it comes to the new model with the business laser-focused on delivering food in minutes to suit Londoners’ busy lives.
“In Italy, when I used to sit down with my grandfather, we started with antipasto, then primo, then secundo, then contorno – the minimum was three hours for a meal,” said Leonardo.
“Now a sit-down meal can be 45 minutes and we want to reduce this to 20. The food culture is continued on Page 19
Wharf
Leonardo, who lives in east London, with Dez Amore’s Canary Wharf kiosk
from Page 10
completely different now. The time to eat is very short. Even though the pandemic has made things more difficult for a business like ours, we think there’s a niche there.
“We offer two very popular kinds of food – pasta for the Italian and burger for the American – and we’re about convenience.
“It might be that people coming home from work simply want an easy life so come to us to eat – we want to make life easy for our customers.
“Perhaps a mum with three children will bring them to eat at Dez Amore for some healthy pasta.
“It’s not fast food, but it is good food that is fast. Our customers understand quality and why it’s important.
“We import ingredients from Italy to ensure the quality. We make everything from scratch in our central kitchen so that it’s as fresh as possible when we serve it, but also so that we can do it quickly. We are only satisfied when our customers are satisfied.
“It’s about reducing the time to finalise the dishes rather than cutting the preparation time. With a sauce, for example, we put in the proper time to make it so that it only takes a minute to finish it in the branch.
“We’ve also moved to smash burgers, which are faster to prepare and serve so customers have less waiting.
“People eat our food at different times. Pasta is more of a sit-down dish, but you can eat a burger anywhere, even while you’re working.
“In Canary Wharf, Wood Wharf is more of a sit-down option, while the kiosk is grab and go. We actually see an increase in burger sales after 6pm as people like to have them with a beer.
“With both offerings now in our shops, we’re looking ahead to 2025 and we want to open two or three more locations. London is the best city in the world and we want to grow here.”
key details
You can find Dez Amore at MMy Wood Wharf and in one of the Reuters Plaza Kiosks in Canary Wharf. Other locations include Camden, Wembley and Mayfair. Go to dezamore.co.uk for more information
Scan this code to nd out more about Dez Amore
Years since Leonardo started selling fresh pasta at Mercato Metropolitano in London
Above, Casarecce Bolognese with lashings of grated Parmesan cheese and, left, Dez Amore’s signature smash burger
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
TRY | Alpona Art Workshop
how Conexus Tuition Canary Wharf offers tutoring for all children aged four and upwards, from its Isle Of Dogs base
by Jon Massey
frantically paddling under the water. So I decided to take on a franchise with tutoring company Conexus.
From a very young age, it was clear Pauline Suarez would be a teacher. “Even at three years old, my mum remembers me lining up my teddies and teaching them how to read and write,” she said. “However, they were very poor achievers.
Explore the traditional art form of Alpona with artist Husna Parvin leading participants as they create intricate geometric patterns and oral designs. Jan 12, 1pm-3pm, from £5, poplarunion.com
Where?
The Space Isle Of Dogs
Poplar Union Poplar Where? Theatreship Isle Of Dogs
GIG | Songs On The Water Listen to and sing traditional folk songs on board the converted bulk carrier. Everyone is invited to share a shanty, ballard, protest song or a piece of their choosing. Jan 13, 7.30pm, free, theatreship.co.uk
“It was something in me – I knew what I wanted to do. I’ve always had a passion for nurturing people and I really wanted to help the world.”
Having grown up in “a very small village in Canada”, Pauline studied education at the University Of Saskatchewan before seeking a position overseas. She interviewed for a role in Mexico, but only found out she’d got it by letter 12 weeks after she’d already started teaching in London.
“I came to be a supply teacher in primary schools,” she said. “I actually didn’t take it all that seriously. I really wanted the Mexican job and I think London was probably the worst interview of my life. But I got the job, I loved it and I thrived.
“My first job was at De Beavoir school in Hackney – the toughest, roughest school I had ever seen. The kids were on the tables, totally out of control. I called my mum in the first week and told her it was awful and that I was moving home.
“But that was in 2000, it’s 2024 now and I’m living and working in Canary Wharf. London is like a woman and you either love her or hate her. I’m madly in love with her. This is an amazing city – it just has everything.”
Working initially in Southwark before moving to Tower Hamlets and a stint in South Africa, Pauline’s career has see her accrue a great deal of experience in inner-city education.
Before embarking on a new venture, she worked extensively at Malmesbury Primary School in Mile End and most recently at Harbinger Primary School on the Isle Of Dogs.
“I was a phenomenal teacher,” said Pauline. “But teaching 30 children each day and working long hours left me more and more disillusioned with the education system.
“It was about having everything written down rather than adapting to the child’s needs.”
Having initially started tutoring while still teaching, she decided to leave the classroom in 2022 and try something different.
“I wanted a change,” said Pauline. “It was a time in my life when I couldn’t get assurance of regular work as a teacher – they would just call when they needed someone, a bit like a zero hours contract. I felt like a swan – calm on the surface but
“Only around 16% of businesses in London are owned by women, so that’s one reason I wanted to do this.
“I started the franchise for the Canary Wharf area in January and I’m so grateful for the support I’ve had –everyone has wanted to help.”
Based at the Barkantine Community Hall, just off Westferry Road on the Island, Conexus Canary Wharf offers tutoring to small groups of students in English, maths and science. One-to-one and online sessions are also available.
“We cater for children from the age of four and up, right to the end of GCSEs and we have A-Level tutors available too,” said Pauline.
“The story of Conexus itself is really amazing. It was started by a woman called Sharon Cawley – a teacher who had a breakdown, a broken marriage and was living with two kids in a council flat on benefits.
“She realised she could tutor to make a living and discovered that teaching them in small groups worked really well.
“That’s backed up by the research from the Education Endowment Foundation, which found that this kind of environment allows children to learn more over the course of a year than one-to-one.
“Sharon was teaching English and found out that many of her students were also going to see a maths tutor. She decided to hire one herself and that’s where Conexus was born.
“The company provides small group learning from top quality tutors. Each knows their subject really well – we only hire specialists because you need that in-depth knowledge.”
Pauline’s franchise offers online sessions from £20 or in-person classes from £23 on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school.
She said: “I don’t believe there’s a child on the planet who wouldn’t benefit from having a tutor. Tutoring embeds learning and allows your child to get to grips with their education.
“The school system is overloaded. There’s too little money and, in a traditional classroom, the average student might only be spending three minutes with a teacher during a lesson. Tutoring is an investment.
“If a child is top of their class, they often need a push to achieve their potential. Equally, if they’re
Scan this code to nd out more about Conexus Canary Wharf
I’ve
always had a passion for nurturing people. It feels amazing when you can really change the course of someone’s life –it’s my true purpose
Pauline Suarez, Conexus Canary Wharf
struggling, then they need support. It’s being able to adapt to the child’s needs. One small thing can affect them and a tutor has the time to find out what that is and deal with it. Children can be terrified of saying the wrong thing or making a mistake.
“I had a child two weeks ago who had been over-tested in school. She came in, started learning and she seemed fine, and then she had a panic attack. I got her to breathe so that she could calm her nervous system down and then she cried and cried.
“I asked her why she was so upset and she said she’d failed a test in school. I explained to her that as her tutor it was me that had failed if she didn’t know something.
“Now she has the biggest smile and wants to come to our sessions because she knows there’s no judgment. In school there’s an exorbitant amount of pressure on these children, and they’re not handling it well. We can take away that pressure and we can help them learn. That’s our promise.
“I’ve had phone calls from parents fearful that their child would fail exams and I’m always confident we can get them through.
“One of the mums cries when she sees us – her daughter was failing but ended up getting fours and fives at GCSE and is now training to be dental nurse. It feels amazing when you can really change the course of someone’s life – it’s my true purpose.”
key details
Conexus Canary Wharf delivers group tutoring sessions at the Barkantine Community Centre each week. One-to-one and online sessions are also available in children’s homes by arrangement.
Conexus is a member of the Tutors’ Association and is committed to safeguarding with all staff DBS checked every term.
Pauline is also about to launch specialist 11+ Core Classes aimed at helping children in Years 4 and 5 pass entrance examinations for selective secondary schools. Go to connexustuition.co.uk for more information or call Pauline on 07967 997 891
MUSIC | Recitals At The Space Enjoy works by Bach, Schumann, Grieg and pianist Andrew Campling himself, who appears here with violinist Kiok Son, pictured. Tea and co ee included. Jan 12, 4pm, £10, space.org.uk
newcomer to the Isle Of Dogs. Find this family-run business trading from a shiny trailer at Skylines Village
on Insta Scan this code to nd out more about the Ukrainian bakery and all that it o
Pauline Suarez started her tutoring business to help children achieve better results in school and go on to ful l their potential
a boost to
29
how Gareth Gardner Gallery in Deptford uses its walls to showcase singular architectural photography
by Jon Massey
Alittle like the exhibition space he runs in south-east London, there’s an upbeat openness about Gareth Gardner. Originally from Warwick, he studied civil engineering in Southampton before taking a job as a journalist and moving to the Isle Of Dogs back in 1995.
“Mudchute was my first experience of living in London,” he said. “I was working on New Civil Engineer, a big trade magazine at the time, and it was really good we had editorial staff, two staff photographers it was just insane.
“They trained me really well, as they had a policy of employing half civil engineers and half journalists, the idea being that we would cross-fertilise our areas of expertise.”
More media jobs followed, before an opportunity to write one particular feature heralded a change in career.
“I was obsessed with photography from an early age, and I somehow managed to persuade my employer in my last job as a journalist to let me go for a one week course on large format film photography, he said.
“The piece was about whether architects should be taking their own pictures.
“I loved it and that was it – I decided I was leaving my job and went to the London College Of Printing to study photography. That’s what I’ve done ever since. I’ve got a big client base for architectural design now, creating images for magazines and organisations.
“Mostly I photograph cultural institutions, galleries and temporary exhibitions – that sort of thing – and I love all of that. I do architectural interiors, getting
I’m very interested in how things are curated and designed – I knew I wanted to open a gallery and there’s not another one like it in the UK
Gareth Gardner, Gareth Gardner Gallery
commissioned by architects and designers to photograph completed projects. That might be reportage-style, or an interior that’s hyper-styled to within an inch of its life.
“These different approaches are interesting and enjoyable, I get to meet interesting people and work around the world. I quite like the idea that when I turn up to a shoot, I haven’t met the people before and have to make something happen on the day – try to create something to tell the story of their project.
“With my editorial background, I’m looking at the narrative, the story, what they are trying to say, what their marketing objectives are, what they are doing with the photographs. It’s quite a niche area of photography and requires specific e uipment.
The latter requires space and that’s really what we’re here to talk about. Having lived around the capital and in and out of the city, Gareth decided he’d like to move back to south-east London.
Seeking a place for storage and to use as an o ce, he found Enclave – a clutch of artist-run units in Resolution Way and decided to create something a bit beyond his initial brief.
“Paying large amounts of rent just to store things seemed a bit misguided – but here the whole remit is that you should have some form of public-facing activity going on,” said Gareth.
“I’d had a studio where I was living previously in Acton and needed somewhere to put everything.
“So this made me think that it would be a really good opportunity to do something I love alongside my more commercial work.”
Thus Gareth Gardner Gallery was born – to its owner’s knowledge the only space dedicated to displaying photography of architecture and place in the UK.
“Working frequently in museums, this actually relates to what I do,” said Gareth. “I’m very interested in how things are curated and designed – I knew I wanted to open a gallery and there’s not another one like it in Britain as far as I can tell.
“It doesn’t show lots of glossy photos of newly-built buildings, –we’re not about flattering archi tects and developers. We try to
curating the
Years since Gareth Gardner rst moved to east London from Warwick
Gareth Gardner Gallery is located in Deptford’s Resolution Way at the Enclave project and showcases artistic and creative photographic responses to architecture
do things that are an artistic and creative response to architecture and place, that capture the impact of humans on our environment by what we build. There’s also an aspect of social documentary too.
“The idea is also to try to make it as accessible to people who wouldn’t normally exhibit as possible.
“Putting on an exhibition can be an incredibly expensive undertaking – printing, framing, hiring the space itself.
“I have this optimised approach. We print everything here and we have frames people can use. We try to elevate all the stuff we have and try to make it look as high end as possible within the context of trying to keep it affordable.
“Architectural photography is very much the domain of white, middle-class, straight male, so it’s about trying to get different voices in. It’s di cult to get different
Gareth Gardner in front of images from recent exhibition Brutalism In Colour
perspectives. It’s all about getting new stories told about architecture, especially if there’s local relevance to what we do.”
Previous exhibitions have included Boundary Conditions, with photographers capturing images of the Pepys Estate in Deptford, inspired by a series for The Architectural Review half a century ago and Close To The Hedge – an exploration of hedges which garnered national media coverage and that is set to be re-staged in extended form for the Royal Horticultural Society in 2025.
“The gallery is a small space, but we try to make the most out of it,” said Gareth. “We try to have a lot of extra interpretational material to put the images in context. I’m also interested in getting involved in publishing again on a small scale.
“I’ve always enjoyed working on layouts with designers and art directors. In the gallery itself, our next exhibition is called Develop+Print for three days in December.
“It features 12 publications and we have prints from each of the projects as well as books on display and the photographers coming down themselves to talk about their work.
“Beyond that, we try to do four exhibitions a year. I also do portfolio reviews and anybody can apply for free to have their work looked at.
“I’ve been lucky to have had a lot of really nice things happen in my career and I think everybody deserves to have their work looked at. Some photographers have exhibited here as a result of that process – it’s great to pay it forward and people can buy the work, although we’re not primarily a commercial space.
“I’d love for the gallery to develop further. We’re always looking for ideas to reach as many people as possible.”
key details
Gareth Gardner Gallery is located in Deptford’s 50 Resolution Way in Enclave 10.
Develop+Print, a collection of zine and photobooks, will be in place from December 13-15. Further exhibitions will be announced online in due course for 2025.
Go to garethgardner.gallery for more information
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Rotherhithe - Deptford - Bermondsey what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
Where? The Albany Deptford
KIDS | The Rainbow Butter y Suitable for ages 3+, audiences are invited to experience the joy of transformation by making sounds, having fun and bopping to music. Feb 2, 1pm, 3pm, £9.50, thealbany.org.uk
Expect an evening lled with performances of new writing performed by local creatives. Check the website for full details of the programme. Jan 23, 7pm, donations, thealbany.org.uk Where?
| Astroballs Join character comedian Rachel O’Connor as she performs her one-woman show that takes in astrology, Yoga, spirituality and more. Jan 24, 7.30pm, £9.38, thepentheatre.com
You’ll need to be quick, but there’s just time to book tickets for Be Not Afraid, a festive show hosted by comedian Camilla Borges at The Pen Theatre in South Bermondsey. Catch it on December 18 at 8pm. Tickets £9.92 thepentheatre.com
COMEDY
Left, the gallery laid out with photographs from a local project called Boundary Conditions featuring the brutalism of the Pepys Estate in Deptford
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
GIG | P1Harmony
Where? Troxy Limehouse
The South Korean boy band, known for their explosive performances and genre-bending music, are set to bring their live tour to London. VIP tickets on o er. Jan 13, 7pm, from £48.13, troxy.co.uk
Where?
Half Moon Theatre Limehouse
STAGE | The Goose And Mrs Frost
Discover this gentle story of intergenerational friendship and the transformative power of kindness with two shows for Ages 3-8. Jan 11, 11am, 2pm, £8, halfmoon.org.uk
STAGE | James Joyce’s The Dead
Where? Wilton’s Music Hall Wapping
An Irish folk song is casually overheard, triggering memories so powerful the dividing line between the dead and the living becomes vanishingly thin. Jan 14-15, 7.30pm, from £14.50, wiltons.org.uk
try this
PocketSquare o ers cocktails and views atop the Hyatt Place Hotel, high above Whitechapel Road. Go for the skyline-level terrace and the bar snacks, plus pumping beats and a wide selection of drinks pocketsquare.london
Scan this code to nd out more about the bar, view menus or to make a booking
Starting price for a ticket to see Steve Pretty On The Origin Of The
The podcast is led by composer, musician and performer Steve Pretty
Wapping - Limehouse - Whitechapel - Tower
explaining the
how Steve Pretty along with a host of friends are promising to help audiences hear more in the tracks
by Jon Massey
Steve Pretty is a man with many valves on his trumpet. Best known as the leader of brass pioneers the Hackney Colliery Band, he’s also a performer, composer and podcaster. Fascinated with the genesis of music and what it is, he hosts a podcast exploring the subject and is set to bring a live recording of an episode to Wilton’s Music Hall in Wapping.
Steve Pretty On The Origin
Of Pieces will take over the east London venue for one night in January, promising to “‘help you to hear, understand or just enjoy music in new ways”. For the live show Steve will be joined by a range of guests to both talk and make music including singer Sarah-Louise Young, musical theatre specialist Frances Ru elleand and percussionist Alua Nascimento. The evening promises plenty for novices to seasoned professionals with performances, entertainment and chat that will leave
audiences “better informed and happier about the world”.
key details
Steve Pretty On The Origin Of The Pieces takes place on January 16 at Wilton’s Music Hall. Doors open at 7pm and tickets start at £10
Go to wiltons.or.uk for more informaton
Scan this code to nd out more about the show
Pieces at Wilton’s Music Hall
Monster trucks will be taking part in the spectacle at The O2 Arena
Skelesaurus clears a mound of debris during a show
turning the
how Monster Trucks Live promises to flood The O2 with growling engines, light and fierce flames
by Jon Massey
The scent of fossil fuels and the roar of oversized engines are set to ll the cavernous performance space of The O2 Arena in January as Hot Wheels: Monster Trucks Live returns to the venue. This year it will be Glow + Fire-themed with the likes of Skelesaurus, 5-Alarm, Gunkster, Mega Wrex, Bone Shaker, Tiger Shark and Bigfoot revving up to tear up
the parade ground. Visitors can expect the usual mixture of stunts, near-misses and shamelessly promoted merchandise with a whole host of VIP options to indulge those who can pay a bit more. There’s even a pre-show party with access to the competition oor before the show on o er.
key details Hot Wheels: Monster Trucks Live Glow + Fire is set to run at The O2 Arena on Jan 10, 11 and 12 with shows at various times across the three days.
Tickets start at £27 for a show that promises to be loud and fun for all the family. A host of premium options is available for those who want add-ons and luxury facilities Go to theo2.co.uk for more information or to make a booking
Scan this code to nd out more about Monster Trucks
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
GIG | The King’s Voice
With Elvis Evolution coming to Royal Docks there’s no let up in demand for the sounds of Presley. Here Gordon Hendricks takes on the jumpsuits... Jan 25, 7pm, from £31, theo2.co.uk
TRY | Steptoe And Son Live Galton and Simpson’s comic duo step o the small screen and onto the stage thanks to this all new production from director Dan Lewis. Jan 17, 7.30pm, £21, greenwichtheatre.org.uk
GIG | Quiz Of The Year
Delivered in partnership with Inquizition, this event promises to test the knowledge of the hardiest trivia bu s with a top prize of £50 on o er. Jan 5, 7pm, £2.50, woolwich.works
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iFLY at The O2 o ers people the chance to take to the air in a vertical tunnel, oating on a column of wind and we couldn’t wait to try this epic indoor skydiving experience out for ourselves i yworld.co.uk
Scan this code to read our review of iFLY on Greenwich Peninsula online at wharf-life.com
Royal Docks - Canning Town
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
EVENT | Pinocchio And His Wooden Whopper
Enjoy a three-course lunch and watch a distinctly adult take on a festive classic as Vincent and the crew o er a bawdy, grown-up pantomime on stage. Jan 23-Mar 8, times vary, from £60, bricklanemusichall.co.uk
Excel
Royal Victoria Dock
EVENT | RuPaul’s Drag Race
Slay the legendary pink carpet, see a host of performers and Drag Race royalty and get all the merchandise you could ever need at this show. Jan 10-11, times and prices vary, excel.london
CLUB | Boudica Music Conference
The fourth edition of this event brings together numerous acts and music business names in support of women, trans+ and non-binary people. Jan 24, 4.30pm-9.30pm, from £10, fold.london
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Photographer and furniture designer Steve Nyman has brought his passions together at Our Urban Oasis in Royal Docks by opening fully dressed photography studios that feature his designs oururbanoasis.com
Scan this code to read our interview with Steve and nd out why his spaces have become so sought-after
Minutes is the typical ight time between London City Airport and Guernsey
Aurigny currently operates a small eet of Dornier and ATR aircraft
how Aurigny is increasing flights between London City Airport and the island of Guernsey over summer 2025
by Jon Massey
Those seeking to travel to Guernsey from London next year will find it easier to do so thanks to an increase in the number of flights to the island.
Aurigny, the crown dependency’s o cial airline has announced its summer schedule, with the release of additional routes over the summer.
The carrier’s successful connections to Edinburgh and Paris will continue with the latter operating on Mondays and Fridays and the former on Wednesdays.
Of more local note however, will be the continuation and increased frequency of its London
City Airport route, which will rise from flights a week to in the summer.
This will be of increasing importance as the airline has decided to axe its Stansted flights and focus instead on the Royal Docks hub and Gatwick operations.
Aurigny’s chief commercial o cer, Sudeep hai, said “We have carefully curated our summer programme, balancing the delivery of the right connectivity for our community and operational integrity.
“We’re especially pleased to bring back our popular Paris, Edinburgh and London City services, building on their success.”
The airline currently operates a small fleet of TR and Dornier aircraft.
The announcement comes in the wake of government approval for the east London airport to increase the number of passengers using its terminal and to handle an extra three flights each weekday morning. As things stand, City can welcome some nine million passengers through its facilities each year, an increase from . million. Its proposal to extend Saturday afternoon flights to 6.30pm, however, was rejected. Go to aurigny.com or londoncityairport.com for more information or flight bookings
Scan this code to nd out more about Aurigny
Starting price for tickets to see Pinocchio at Theatre Royal Stratford East, which is on until January
Star turns, Tok Morakinyo and Dylan Collymore as Geppetto and Pinocchio
delighting the
how Stratford East’s bright and colourful version of classic Pinocchio is aimed squarely at the younger generation
This year’s Theatre Royal Stratford East panto is unashamedly bright and colourful. Pinocchio pops with rainbow hues that seem designed to compete with the bright screens and distractions of modernity. The production is squarely aimed at younger viewers, going big on potent visual spectacle and rumbustious musical numbers to delight the kids in the audience as it tumbles through neon-laced broad brush strokes of the classic tale.
There’s much here to delight. Nicole Louise Lewis’ upbeat cricket Krik-Krak is a bright green firework. Travis Wood demands attention as Lampwick and Antonio, while Charlotte Louise puts in a potent turn in various parts across the production.
This strong supporting cast provides a solid foundation for star turns in the shape of Dylan Collymore as Pinocchio and Tok Morakinyo as Geppetto (and several other key parts).
This duo are the heart and soul of the show. The latter’s kindly
loneliness is well tempered by the suddenly animated puppet son he creates. Collymore is simply perfect as the wide-eyed wooden boy. Credulous, jerky and chaotic. A puppet on no strings.
However this talented cast, for all their primary hues and can-do attitude have to contend with a script that tries to do too much. The scenes come thick and fast with a feeling that these are set pieces designed as backdrops for songs rather than a well-ordered series of tableaux elegantly arranged to carry the plot forward.
There’s some waste too.
Rushand Chambers and Jhanaica Van Mook are oily and excellent as disco-villains Sly Fox and Miss Kat, but the script gives them only a flimsy evil scheme to work with little stage time to enact it.
Michael Bertenshaw’s turn as dame-come-fairy-godmother the Blue Rinse Fairy is also curiously underpowered. Given his veteran status playing such roles, the decision to have him as an absent-minded old dear rather than something more powerful is a curious one. No costume changes,
no over-the-top bawdiness. Just a smattering of jokes that didn’t quite land with the adults. A missed opportunity, perhaps, to have an older character mix it with some of the younger talent.
Make no mistake. This is a rich world to step into and one that the kids will love. It’s just possible, however, that the adults will be left wondering exactly why Geppetto was on a boat in the first place and a little wistful for a bit more innuendo.
Jon Massey ★★★✩✩
key details
Pinocchio is set to run at Theatre Royal Stratford East until January 4. Show times vary and tickets start at £10. There will be a relaxed performance on January 4 at noon. Go to stratfordeast.com for more information
Scan this code to nd out more about Pinocchio
Stratford - Bow - Hackney Wick
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
The multi-instrumentalist, composer, performer and musical director promises an evening of music that crosses genres and boundaries. Groovy. Jan 19, 6.30pm, from £35.21, soulmama.co.uk
Where?
Wells East East Bank
DANCE | Open Day
Find out more about hip-hop dance school Academy Breakin’ Convention at this event for potential students, parents and carers. Register online. Jan 18, 10am, free, academybreakingconvention.com Where?
STAGE | Revenge: After The Levoyah This chaotic Jewish heist comedy blends madcap craziness and biting political satire as Malcolm Spivak attempts to kidnap Jeremy Corbyn. Jan 8-25, times vary, from £10, theyardtheatre.co.uk
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Greek restaurant and bar Hera has opened its doors on the edge of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park at Here East. Diners can expect elevated takes on classic avours and a menu of signature cocktails at the Stratford East spot herarestaurant.co.uk
Scan this code to read our interview with Hera’s marketing manager and nd out more about the venue
GIG | Nadine Lee
Soul Mama Stratford
Where?
The Yard Theatre Hackney Wick
Sadler’s
Sudoku
How to play
To complete Sudoku, ll the board by entering numbers one to nine such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.
More to play
You can nd more Sudoku puzzles and a wide selection of other brainteasers available to download for free at puzzles.ca
Notes
crossword
Cryptic
Take a break from that phone Across
1. Pipistrelle on the move for Bruce? (9)
8. Sounds like this cleric should not exist (3)
9. Local citizen forms only part (11)
11. Is this the shape of a deceptive trip? (7)
12. This involves something within canine interior (5)
13. News story with a bang! (6)
15. One social or biological group is up for discussion (6)
17. You and I get round mother for a flavour, we hear (5)
18. It’s the car’s turn! Makes public speaking easy (7)
20. A stupid friend acts just like this (11)
22. Small connection of IT appliances, initially
Down
2. Past attempt? (3)
3. O what a rout! It’s the end (5)
4. Imprison this assistant worker? (6)
5. On the level! It’s the end of the day (7)
6. Someone not understanding 22 across (11)
. athaniel, in short, may be driving in the flesh
10. Monarch who messes up the veg has this small role (11)
11. Relative with the starch is a large excrescence (9)
14. Complaining about the barrier? (7)
16. Brief look might sample 17 across (6)
19. Horological sound of approval? (5)
21. Sit down to make space for a circular run (3)
beating the whether you’re cryptic sleuth or synonym solver in it for quick wins, this should satisfy
Quick
23. Range of old PO payment balances (9) Across
Figure of data (9)
Rowing implement (3)
Offering sympathy
Stalemate (7) 12. Habituate (5) 13. Discussion point (6)
Land (6) 17. End of life (5)
Film acknowledgements (7) 20. Burden (11) 22. Skin colouring (3)
The bespoke jewellery process starts with an initial conversation, either by phone or email. During this discussion, we’ll explore your ideas and inspiration, offering suggestions and guidance along the way.
Our bespoke service comes at no additional cost. Each piece of jewellery is meticulously handcrafted in our workshop, with the same level of care and attention to detail, regardless of the design. If you have a specific budget in mind, feel free to share it with us, and we will create a design that fits within your parameters, recommending gemstones and styles that align with your vision.
If you’re unsure about your budget, don’t worry. We’ll guide you through the options and provide advice on design and gemstone choices, helping you find the perfect piece within your preferred price range.
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